{"id":1297,"date":"2018-09-11T01:22:22","date_gmt":"2018-09-10T23:22:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mcgill.org.za\/stuff\/?p=1297"},"modified":"2018-09-11T01:25:09","modified_gmt":"2018-09-10T23:25:09","slug":"war-on-religion-conversions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcgill.org.za\/stuff\/archives\/1297","title":{"rendered":"War on religion conversions"},"content":{"rendered":"

IOL has an article<\/a> with the headline “War on religion conversions”\u00a0 in which a Hindu whines about how they need protection from other religions.\u00a0 They’re fishing for legal protection – to prevent free speech, and to restrict freedom of religion – but in the end they say they’re going to settle for trying harder to teach their people how wonderful their religion is.<\/p>\n

Take it away, Janine Moodley:<\/p>\n

Durban – The South African Hindu Dharma Sabha has officially declared war on conversion, labelling religious change as \u201ccancerous\u201d and vowing to halt Hindu \u201cdecimation\u201d.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

They don’t sound very progressive.\u00a0 They sound scared.\u00a0 “Decimation” is what the Romans did to punish armies by removing a tenth – not only to foreign armies but to their own.\u00a0 They’re losing tenths at a time of their followers?\u00a0 Well, that’s hardly surprising, because worshiping idols is stupid.<\/p>\n

The Sabha, which launched a national signature campaign last week in support of an international drive by the Global Hindu Foundation to ban conversion from Hinduism, believed many converts had become \u201ctrapped and ostracised\u201d.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This sounds like an admission that the policy of ostracising people that convert from Hinduism has failed (but see below).\u00a0 They have noticed that they’re not winning them back by being nasty to them.\u00a0 What a surprise.\u00a0 Perhaps it’s time for another brief charm offensive?<\/p>\n

Its president, Ram Maharaj, said at least 500 000 signatures were needed by the Netherlands-based foundation to start legal proceedings at the International Court of Human Rights and the UN to seek reparations for the harm which has been \u201cdeliberately inflicted\u201d upon indigenous civilisations in direct contravention of UN resolutions.<\/p>\n

He believed South Africa was one such civilisation.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Their concern for the non-Hindu peoples of South Africa is remarkable.\u00a0 How very sad that when their ancestors came from India, bringing their Hindu traditions and idols, they were unable to teach their ways to the locals.\u00a0 Or wait … are they claiming to be an indigenious civilisation in South Africa?\u00a0 That’s\u00a0 … remarkable!<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is a historical fact that conversion was forced on indigenous people through conquest and colonialism.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

No, it’s not a fact.\u00a0 In the Cape, people were forced to become Muslims so that they would not be freed as Christian slaves, but if you’re wondering why it is that so many Indian people abandoned the Hinduism of their fathers for Christianity, “force” is the most insignificant element, if you can find actual instances of it.\u00a0 Apart from marriage, the reason there are vast tracts of converts from Hinduism to some form of Christianity is given away in the next paragraph.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn South Africa, during the oppressive apartheid regime, only Christianity was recognised by the state as an official religion, which gave it a false sense of superiority over other religions,\u201d said Maharaj. \u201cFortunately, with the advent of democracy, our new Constitution guarantees equal status, respect and treatment for all religions.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

So they believe that the advantage that Christianity has is that it was officially recognised by the state.\u00a0 Now that Christianity is not recognised by the state, they believe that their religion will progress again, having the legal status that it needs.\u00a0 That’s nuts.<\/p>\n

That little phrase “superiority over other religions” is exactly the claim of Christianity.\u00a0 While Hinduism makes this claim for itself in a few ways, Jesus makes it more strongly than they can:\u00a0 John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.\u00a0 <\/strong>That’s a claim to superiority of religion.\u00a0 It’s not the apartheid government that made this claim.\u00a0 The new constitution does nothing to diminish Jesus’ claim.\u00a0 He backed it up by rising from the dead.<\/p>\n

He emphasised that while he respected all religions, he \u201ccannot\u201d and \u201cwill not\u201d allow decimation of the Hindu population as well as denigration and destruction of Hinduism with impunity.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Hinduism denigrates Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, reducing him to just another supposed manifestation of God equal to the blue snake-handling idols.\u00a0 They are right that their own religion is denigrated: they are worshiping devils.\u00a0 1 Corinthians 10:20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.<\/strong>\u00a0 Why should the worship of devils be protected from being spoken against?\u00a0 Impunity means “exemption from punishment”.\u00a0 Mr Maharaj would like the denigration of Hindu devil worship to attract punishment?\u00a0 It sounds like he dislikes freedom of speech.<\/p>\n

Maharaj now wants to turn the tide on conversion with a sense of mission, confirming that he already has the backing of 20 Hindu organisations that have endorsed the cause.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

To have the support of your friends in your cause is not unexpected.\u00a0 It doesn’t matter how many of your friends support your ideas if those ideas are unjust and stupid.\u00a0 Proverbs 11:21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Sabha has also endorsed the Mauritius Declaration Against Conversion that \u201cconversion is an act of adharma (unrighteousness), of violence and is destructive of family, community and civilisational cohesion\u201d.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The word “dharma” includes duties, rights, laws, conduct, virtues and “right way of living”.\u00a0 Christianity rejects “dharma” as the way of salvation: \u00a0Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.\u00a0 <\/strong>The right way of living, keeping the deeds of the law, will not justify.\u00a0 Only faith in Christ will serve.\u00a0 While there are good things to be said for family and societal cohesion, Jesus taught that he would cause exactly that division that is so feared by Mr Maharaj:\u00a0 Luke 12:51-53 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:\u00a0 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the m<\/strong>other; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It has already started crafting its own Declaration Against Conversion relevant to South Africa and it will be presented for public input and amendments later this month.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

What exactly is the problem with people being free to choose what they believe?\u00a0 Why exactly should people who are Hindus be shielded from the truth?\u00a0 It’s not as if Hindus have shown this kind of respect outside of their own society, instead relentlessly infiltrating Christian society with innumerable “New Age” missionaries teaching their stupid doctrines – with a fair degree of success.\u00a0 The only “public” that will be commenting on their ideas are people who have not believed ours.<\/p>\n

On March 17 next year, the Sabha plans to hold a \u201cStop Conversion Summit\u201d in Chatsworth followed by mass Hindu \u201chomecoming ceremonies\u201d, opening opportunities for converts to freely return to their spiritual roots, \u201cwhich is their God-given birthright and responsibility\u201d.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

God truly has made man free, but to conflate this freedom with truth is an error.\u00a0 Freedom brings responsibility to seek the truth and to obey it.\u00a0 Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.\u00a0 <\/strong>There’s no exemption based on birth.\u00a0 There is no exemption based on what you happened to receive from your fathers, irrespective of how dearly you hold their vain conversation.<\/p>\n

Maharaj spoke of a similar campaign held 15 years ago at the Northcroft Hindu Dharma Sabha where 104 families had returned to the Hindu faith.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

So they had a big party in Phoenix back in 2003, and now they want to have a party in Chatsworth?\u00a0 Well, parties are fun.\u00a0 Maybe you can trot out some people who have realised the social benefits of hanging around with you.\u00a0 If you don’t have enough, then hire actors.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are lots of people who are trapped and ostracised because of their conversions. But we want these people to return to the fold, knowing they would be welcomed with open arms.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Interesting choice of words, “the fold”.\u00a0 It’s tough when you don’t have your own words (“the uncaring arms of the snake handling idols”?) and you have to use Christian symbolism.\u00a0 “Fold” is from the words of Jesus, John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.\u00a0 <\/strong>Good luck in getting real Christians out of the hands of Jesus, who said:\u00a0 John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.\u00a0 <\/strong>They’ll have to settle for people who have been working on their businesses, or worshiping the Catholic idols instead of the Hindu idols.<\/p>\n

Actually, what they are doing here is pretty transparent: 15 years of rejection out in the cold to soften you up for converting to Christianity, and then an offer to see your family again on good terms – all you have to do is worship the dumb idols.\u00a0 Bad cop, good cop.\u00a0 Extreme punishment, and then the offer of favour.<\/p>\n

The Sabha now hopes to implement effective steps to \u201cconscientise, mobilise and organise\u201d Hindus to combat conversion.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Now there’s an idea.\u00a0 Instead of whining about people leaving Hinduism for Christ, why don’t they teach your people how wonderful their devilish religion is?<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want to embark on a mass Hindu education campaign to help people understand what Hinduism is really about. We also want to ensure that no family goes hungry, because many Hindus convert because of their practical needs. Thirdly, we will intensify social responsibility and upliftment programmes for people dealing with drugs, alcohol and abuse.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Be sure to let us all know how it goes when it gets started.\u00a0 I didn’t know that charity was part of Hindu virtues, but it wouldn’t much surprise me.\u00a0 Jesus offered some great teaching about how to run this kind of endeavour: Luke 6:33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Maharaj added that the Sabha also wanted to phase in progression in Hindu practices.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

I don’t think that this religion can be fixed, but they’re going to try anyway.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are certain priests who discriminate against widows and then there are women who are not allowed to participate in certain rituals. We want to bridge the gap in gender inequality.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

It sounds like the purveyors of the religion are not doing it right.\u00a0 Not only are they failing to visit widows and the fatherless, but they also want to be defiled by the feminist spirit of the world:\u00a0 James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.<\/strong><\/p>\n

He further indicated that all relics of the caste system should be \u201cweeded out\u201d as well as ignorance, superstition and fear and that all practices must be based on scriptural authority.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Ah yes, the “scriptures” that establish the caste system need to be brought to bear on the caste system.\u00a0 Just don’t let people read them, or they’re going to realise they’re trash, and look for something better.<\/p>\n

When asked if trying to stop conversion was not infringing on a person\u2019s basic human right of freedom of religion, Maharaj said people should not misunderstand their \u201cfight\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis campaign is a proactive approach to conversion. While we are not forcing people by legal implications here in South Africa, we want to stop conversion in its tracks. I believe what we are doing is right and we are following God\u2019s will. People were created Hindus by God and they need to return home.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The god\/gods of the Hindus did not create people.\u00a0 The only way to stop conversion in its tracks is oppression and violence.\u00a0 They cannot stop conversion by education, not only because they have an inferior message, but because it is simply not possible to accurately convey any message to everyone that you believe should hear it.<\/p>\n

Knowing will of God, by the way, is only for those that have a transformed mind in Jesus Christ.\u00a0 I’m pretty sure the devil wants to stop conversions, but no amount of thinking that he is God will make him so.\u00a0 Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cardinal Wilfrid Napier OFF was taken aback by the Sabha\u2019s stance.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am quite surprised by this. From a legal point of view, every person has the freedom of religion. You have the right to choose what religion you want to adhere to,\u201d Napier said. \u201cFrom our point of view, people have a freedom of conscious. God has chosen to reveal Himself in different ways and the complete way was through Jesus Christ and that is why we preach about Jesus. He instructed us to make disciples and we are merely following his instructions.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Cardinal should lighten up.\u00a0 He’s on the same team as the Hindus, pretending to be a minister of righteousness while serving as a minister of Satan in the great whore of Babylon, worshiping idols more than they do.\u00a0 There’s a place for him in the lake of fire too: Revelation 22:15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Napier is a member of the recently launched Inter-religious Council of which Ashwin Trikamjee, the president of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha – the organisation is not linked to the SA Hindhu Dharma Sabha – is a part.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe main aim of the council is to improve the relations with all religions. Mr Trikamjee, or anyone from the Hindu faith, has not mentioned any of these sentiments. I take this as an invitation to intensify our efforts in strengthening ties,\u201d Napier said.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

All these guys who pretend they cannot agree on which set of lies of Satan they prefer.\u00a0 We’re supposed to be impressed by their tolerance and all, but they’re all on the same team: Mark 3:26 And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we were setting up the council we asked ourselves: What is the role of religion in society? The answer to the question is pretty much our slogan, which loosely is, religion has a role to transform people and society into something better. To make a place better to live.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

To suppose that false religions will transform people and society for the better is madness.\u00a0 Religions started by paedophiles won’t produce anything good.\u00a0 Religions run by paedophiles won’t produce anything good.\u00a0 Come to think of it, why would the Hindus condescend to hang around with these people?<\/p>\n

Trikamjee has slammed Maharaj\u2019s efforts, calling him a \u201cmaverick\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cDespite efforts over the years to unite Hindus, he has steadfastly rebuffed all such attempts and chosen to go his own maverick ways.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Pot, kettle.\u00a0 Kettle, pot.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe South African Hindu Maha Sabha has over the years constantly grappled with the challenge of conversions and has followed the path of consolidating Hinduism as opposed to sensationally combating with other religions.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The wise masters have noticed that fighting Christ publicly does not work.\u00a0 People want to know what it is that they are fighting, and there is no way you can allow that.<\/p>\n

So much for the article.<\/p>\n

False religion has nothing to offer that is anywhere close to Christ.\u00a0 We that believe in Christ have everlasting life:<\/p>\n

1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

and hanging around with idols is not cool:<\/p>\n

1 John 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

IOL has an article with the headline “War on religion conversions”\u00a0 in which a Hindu whines about how they need protection from other religions.\u00a0 They’re fishing for legal protection – to prevent free speech, and to restrict freedom of religion … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[256,257,255,90,50,17,254,190,6],"class_list":["post-1297","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-stuff","tag-conversion","tag-dharma","tag-hinduism","tag-law","tag-morality","tag-rants","tag-religion","tag-stuff","tag-truth"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mcgill.org.za\/stuff\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1297","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mcgill.org.za\/stuff\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mcgill.org.za\/stuff\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mcgill.org.za\/stuff\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mcgill.org.za\/stuff\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1297"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.mcgill.org.za\/stuff\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1297\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1300,"href":"https:\/\/www.mcgill.org.za\/stuff\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1297\/revisions\/1300"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mcgill.org.za\/stuff\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1297"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mcgill.org.za\/stuff\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1297"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mcgill.org.za\/stuff\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1297"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}